admin
The Harare football giants collected three points after Rahman Kutsanzira struck on either side of the break while Washington Pakamisa scored the Green Machine’s second goal.
Steely defender Norman Togara reduced the deficit for FC Platinum before he was expelled for receiving a second yellow card towards the end of the game.
Yesterday’s win marked the first league victory by CAPS United over FC Platinum after the previous meetings had ended in draws but more importantly it’s the first time that Makepekepe have scored more than once in their seven league outings this season.
Pressure had mounted on Connor after he had gone for five matches without a win or even a goal from open play and their only set of full points had come through the boardroom following a walkover on Motor Action.
But CAPS United woke from their deep slumber with an identical 1-0 win over lowly side Quelaton and Blue Rangers before notching a memorable win over FC Platinum.
FC Platinum came into the match enjoying a fine run of three wins on the trot but were stopped by CAPS United.
“It’s great to get our biggest win so far. I think the guys showed some disciplined performance right from the first half.
“The result for today might be good but like I said before we are looking into the bigger picture,” said Connor.
During his trying times, Connor had pleaded for patience from the CAPS United fans and now the Irishman appears to have struck the right chords.
“If Edmore gets an opportunity in the right area, we will allow him to take the freekicks,” he said.
Connor also paid tribute to Kutsanzira after he took his season’s tally to three goals.
“Rahman is a good player but he needs to get stronger and that’s why we have a programme for him at the gym,” said Connor.
In getting his first goal, Kutsanzira received a pass from Clive Kawinga before firing a powerful low shot that beat Tafadzwa Dube in goal for FC Platinum in the 18th minute.
Pakamisa then increased the lead in the 43rd minute when he blasted home from the box.
Togara, who had earned a yellow card for a lunge on Tapiwa Khumbuyani in the 34th minute, then directed a corner kick by Ali Sadiki home before substitute Evans Gwekwerere engineered the third goal for CAPS.
Gwekwerere made a strong run on the right before he squared the ball for Kawinga who in turn laid for Kutsanzira to pull the trigger to give CAPS United a comfortable lead.
“Evans did a very good job for us. He came off the bench and created some chances for us.
“We managed to score from one of the moves,” said Connor.
Gumbo yesterday accepted the defeat as part of the game and felt let down by his players.
“It was not really our day.
“From the start the players had a wrong attitude towards the game but we will bounce back,” said Gumbo.
Gumbo said he was not sure why Togara received the second yellow card.
“I do not know why he was given a red card.
“Maybe he said something to the referee but at the end of the day the referee has the final say,” said Gumbo.
Teams
CAPS United: E. Sibanda, D. Sengu, T. Kumbuyani, M. Samaneka (T. Samanja 32nd minute), C. Kawinga, N. Mukumbi, E. Chafungamoyo (E. Gwekwerere 64th min), D. Walaza, R. Kutsanzira (L. Kaisa 85th minute), W. Pakamisa, T. Munyanduri,
FC Platinum: T. Dube, N. Togara, J. Ngodzo, Z. Ngodzo, Q. Amin, C. Sibanda (L. Matawu 82nd minute) T, Kamusoko, A. Gahadzikwa (W. Ndiweni 46th minute), S. Shoko (D. Veremu 37th minute), A. Sadiki, M. Katsvairo
Online Reporter